Parents rap: don’t worry, be happy

The first day of school some students remember it and for some it’s a blur. Parents remember every single detail. The months of tension leading up to that day from choosing the right school, going through the gruelling admission process and finally the school supplies. HT spoke to some parents to find out what they were looking for in a school.

“When I started visiting schools, most ended up harassing my three-year-old. Heritage was the first school that asked me to leave my child at home. They didn't want to judge my child. It sealed the deal for me,” says Ashwini Rao, who has sent both his children to that school, capturing a common sentiment among parents: that of a stress-free holistic education.

Gurgaon's rise as a business hub has led to the mushrooming of several schools, each with its own teaching philosophy.

“When I moved here in 1994, there were very few good schools. Now you have a school at every corner. Summerfields, where my child studies, is good, but I wish they would build more on the extra curriculur activities,” says Ravinder Singh. Parents don't want their kids to simply be classroom stars but be leaders in whatever paths they choose.

What appeals to parents today is a fun, alternative model of education.The ‘Don't worry, Be happy’ mantra is what they abide by and look for in the schools they choose for their children.

Schools which provide excellent teachers and infrastructure, of course, don't come cheap. With nursery fees upwards of R60, 000 per annum on average, parents are also looking at value for money. (DAV Public School topped the ‘value for money’ parameter, according to the survey).

Affordable schools here are an increasingly rare breed. The challenge Gurgaon now faces is to ensure quality education at a reasonable price.